In talking to students about papers this semester, I’m wondering about their writing priorities.  They are so obsessed with PLANNING their papers before ever committing a word to the page.  They are in fact, unanimously convinced that the best way to write a paper is to write it once and then to edit it to [...]

I’m writing this post on my first day’s use of Google Chrome. It’s given me reason to use my office computer, and I have to say - I really like it so far.  I can’t wait for the Mac version.  I already like the navigation bar better, and I love the frequently visited startup boxes. Anyone [...]

I’m trying to get back in the habit of posting something every weekday, but today I am too far behind trying to get my section done for a law review article I am working on, so I’ll try and put something interesting up tomorrow. Go see The Dark Knight, in case you happen to be [...]

It is a great thing that Americans are so interested in their Presidential election.  According to Pew, there is record engagement levels in this election.  However, I will not miss the writing in the form of “opinion columns” that we have to endure in election years, which somehow seem extra senseless when campaigns are at [...]

What is the “weak man” fallacy? Well, you can read it explained here:
a person sets up the opposition’s weakest (or one of its weakest) arguments or proponents for attack, as opposed to misstating a rival’s position as the straw man argument does.
 
The Chronicle of Higher Education seems to have a nice example with this article [...]

Here’s a game for you: find all the things on the front page that aren’t about sports or are advertisments:

I’m making some of my student’s red George Orwell’s "Politics and the English Language" this Tuesday.  Here are some highlights from this wonderful essay. 

“It (language) becomes ugly and inaccurate because our thoughts are
foolish, but the slovenliness of our language makes it easier to have foolish
thoughts.”
 
“Orthodoxy, of whatever color, seems to demand a lifeless,
imitative style.”
 “In [...]